Before the memorial service began, many family members thanked the Marines and sailors for their service.

“I encourage you to exchange a story with the person to the left and right of you about the Marines and sailor we lost,” said Lt. Col. James Fullwood Jr., the battalion’s commanding officer, during his speech to guests. “If you didn’t know them, then I encourage you to ask and get to know a little about them.”

The silence in the room broke and a few whispers could be heard coming from service members and guests.

“Through these stories is how our brothers will live on,” continued Fullwood. “These 15 men are not statistics or names to be added to a website. They were fathers, sons and brothers.”

Fullwood then continued by saying a few words about the 15 men. He talked about their personalities, their heroism and even about how some of them would love to make people laugh or would always carry a smile.

Fourteen Marines and one sailor gave their lives during the battalion’s most recent deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.